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Also known as:
Construction Coordinator, Construction Superintendent, General Contractor, Masonry Contractor Administrator

See all Architecture and Construction Careers.

ABOUT CONSTRUCTION MANAGER CAREERS
Video transcript

Building a new high rise, shopping mall or factory is a complicated effort. Construction managers supervise these projects, make decisions about daily operations and keep costs within budget.

Constructions managers represent the building owner or developer and coordinate the entire construction process. They decide on construction methods and labor requirements, hire contractors, create schedules and make cost estimates.

They are responsible for obtaining the necessary permits and licenses. Large scale projects may have a team of construction managers, with each manager responsible for a specific aspect of the project.

Traditionally, construction managers come from the ranks of people with many years' experience in construction crafts, like carpenters, masons, or electricians. They should have experience in contracts, plans, specifications and rules and regulations. Computer skills are essential. Many large firms hire manager with both industry experience and a degree in building science or construction management.

Construction managers often work long hours and must be "on call" at all times to deal with emergencies. They have to work well with many different people and perform under pressure when emergencies and delays threaten the completion of a project.

Becoming a construction manager is a good move up for an experienced person in the construction industry who wants additional challenges and rewards.

SNAPSHOT
Plan, direct, or coordinate, usually through subordinate supervisory personnel, activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. Participate in the conceptual development of a construction project and oversee its organization, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation. Includes managers in specialized construction fields, such as carpentry or plumbing.
Leadership
HIGH
Critical decision making
HIGH
Level of responsibilities
HIGH
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines
MED
Dealing and handling conflict
HIGH
Competition for this position
HIGH
Communication with others
HIGH
Work closely with team members, clients etc.
HIGH
Comfort of the work setting
HIGH
Exposure to extreme environmental conditions
LOW
Exposure to job hazards
LOW
Physical demands
LOW
Daily tasks

Develop or implement environmental protection programs.

Apply for and obtain all necessary permits or licenses.

Evaluate construction methods and determine cost-effectiveness of plans, using computer models.

Inspect or review projects to monitor compliance with environmental regulations.

Perform, or contract others to perform, pre-building assessments, such as conceptual cost estimating, rough order of magnitude estimating, feasibility, or energy efficiency, environmental, and sustainability assessments.

Determine labor requirements for dispatching workers to construction sites.

Inspect or review projects to monitor compliance with building and safety codes or other regulations.

Investigate damage, accidents, or delays at construction sites to ensure that proper construction procedures are being followed.

Develop or implement quality control programs.

Contract or oversee craft work, such as painting or plumbing.

Implement new or modified plans in response to delays, bad weather, or construction site emergencies.

MAIN ACTIVITIES
Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Scheduling Work and Activities Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE
Building and Construction Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Administration and Management Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Engineering and Technology Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
English Language Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Customer and Personal Service Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Public Safety and Security Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Mathematics Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Design Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
TOP SKILLS
Management of Personnel Resources Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Coordination Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Speaking Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Listening Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Time Management Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Monitoring Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Critical Thinking Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.